Manufacturing Inspection Technician - Military veterans preferred

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Inspection Technician to join our Clarksburg-based Manufacturing team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on the production floor, conducting real-time, in-process, and mid-process inspections of electrical assemblies, enclosures, cable harnesses, and wiring systems.

You will play a dual role as a technical contributor embedded within the build process and as a key communicator with the Quality team, bridging insights between shop floor activities and compliance metrics. Your work will ensure that Forterra's autonomous platforms meet rigorous electrical standards and exceed customer expectations for durability and reliability in mission-critical environments.

What you"ll do

• Conduct in-process, mid-process, and final inspections directly on the production floor for wiring harnesses, electrical boxes, and subsystem assemblies.
• Perform visual, mechanical, and electrical testing using tools such as multimeters, calipers, micrometers, and plug gages.
• Verify adherence to IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 2 standards for wire and cable assembly quality.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions to validate assembly accuracy.
• Document inspection results and non-conformances (NCMRs) in real-time and assist production teams with root cause analysis.
• Collaborate closely with assembly technicians, quality engineers, and design teams to resolve issues quickly and ensure flow without compromising standards.
• Log QA data and maintain accurate records in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite).
• Support feedback loops that connect build teams and quality teams, helping refine inspection criteria and improve process effectiveness.
• Monitor labeling, marking, and dimensional tolerances across electrical subassemblies.
• Comply with ISO 9001 processes and support internal audits or supplier quality interactions as needed.

Qualifications

• Proficient with hand tools and electrical test equipment such as multimeters, and insulation resistance meters.
• Working familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems.
• Strong documentation and communication skills for clear reporting and issue escalation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry background in defense, automotive, aerospace, or medical device manufacturing.
• Knowledge of NetSuite ERP and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience in first article, mid-process, and final inspections in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification (or ability to attain it).

Education & Experience

• 1–3 years of hands-on inspection experience in an electrical manufacturing or electro-mechanical production environment.
• Experience with blueprint reading, electrical schematics, and IPC standards

US Hourly Range:
$27/hr - $35/hr

Location:
On-Site - Clarksburg, MD
Up to 10% travel may be required.

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.

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